and inspired him to practise initially in Townhead before setting up a new practice in the challenging environment of Easterhouse. His abiding interest in patients was carried forward as Dr Willie Fulton’s Assistant Secretary to Glasgow Local Medical Committee, succeeding him in that pivotal role in 1978. Alistair’s skills as an adviser to his general practice colleagues was further developed by many Scottish and UK national roles – including as a member of the Scottish General Practitioners Committee for 25 years, as Scottish negotiator on its UK parent body and as one of the four BMA Chief Officers. He also served with distinction as an elected medical member of the GMC and was heavily involved internationally with the Commonwealth Medical Association. Alistair was honoured for his service by becoming a Freeman Citizen of Glasgow in 1961, the award of an OBE and the BMA Gold Medal in 1997. Alistair’s last years were compromised by several serious illnesses. Despite occasional flashes of insight – his passing ends a ten-year battle with brain failure that was difficult to thole by those who had experienced his sharp intellect. Alistair’s first wife, Elspeth, died after distressing illness in 1999 – but he found great comfort and happiness in his second marriage to Dr Susan Fraser who for over 12 years sustained him at home in Bearsden and latterly at a residential home in Lesmahagow. He also leaves four children, Sandy, Frances, Aileen and Valerie. Alistair Riddell achieved some of the highest offices available to a doctor, but was most proud of his achievements as a hard-working general practitioner in the East end of his native city; to the end he wore his Glasgow Academical tie and, amongst all his honours, cherished his membership of the North Parish Washing Green Society. Glasgow has lost one of its most distinguished Academical sons.
Brian D Keighley (1966)
Rev. Gordon M A Savage MA BD (1969) 25 August 1951 – 23 May 2012 Gordon Matthew Alexander Savage MA BD was born in Old Kilpatrick and attended Glasgow Academy between 1960 and 1969. He went on to study at the University of Edinburgh, where he graduated in arts and divinity. After he was licensed by the Presbytery of Dumbarton, he undertook two assistantships – in Dyce, Aberdeenshire and at Dunblane Cathedral. In 1977 he was called to the
30
Etcetera
linked parishes of Almondbank, Tibbermore and Logiealmond in Perthshire. It was there he met his wife, Mairi, whom he married in 1981. In 1984 he became minister of Maxwellton West in Dumfries, and remained there until his death. He was known as a dedicated parish minister and an exemplary clerk of the Presbytery of Dumfries and Kirkcudbright. He was also highly respected for his work in General Assembly committees and for his wise, clear contributions to Assembly debate. Away from his parish, he was an enthusiast of railways and Clyde steamers. He spent two student summers as an assistant purser on them. Gordon was also a keen Rotarian, and at the time of his death was the president elect of his branch. He is survived by his wife Mairi and his sons David and Alasdair.
Alexander W Speirs (1949) 6 May 1932 – 5 March 2012 Sandy Speirs died peacefully at St Helier Hospital, Surrey, after a long period of ill health. Sandy was born in Pollokshields and attended Moray School and then, between 1941 and 1949, The Glasgow Academy. After leaving school he joined the investment department of Scottish Amicable in Glasgow, taking a break to complete his National Service in the RAF during which he discovered an aptitude for rugby. On his return to Glasgow he started playing for Accies, including in the 1st XV in the early 1950s. In 1959 he moved to London Life Assurance Company, became a Fellow of the Chartered Insurance Institute and moved to London in 1967, settling in Cheam and joined the London Section but always retained his flat in Pollokshields. He is survived by his wife, Jean (née McGhee) whom he married in Glasgow in 1963.
Lawrence W Guthrie (1980)
Michael G M Ure (1961) 27 June 1943 – 11 June 2012 Michael attended Glasgow Academy between 1957 and 1961. He was a member of The Academy shooting team at Bisley where he won the Sir Harry Lauder Trophy and the Scottish short range individual championship in 1960. Michael was part of an Academical family. His father, Daniel Ure (who also shot for the school at Bisley), uncle William Ure, cousin Robert Tennant and brother David Ure all attended The Academy. After school he joined the Paisley thread makers J and P Coats who sent him to
London for several years. He left them for the world of classified advertising, first with Thomson newspapers and then with Scottish Media, which involved stints in London, Aberdeen and finally Houston near Paisley. He became session clerk of Houston Parish Church. Late onset multiple sclerosis and a form of cancer began to afflict him about nine years ago. He was a much loved husband of Diana, loving father of Kate and Sophie, father-in-law of Tim and John and brother of David. A proud grandpa of Darcy and Charlie.
David G Ure (1964)
William (Bill) L Wright (1939) 9 May 1921 – 27 January 2012 Bill Wright started life in Uddingston and was a pupil at Glasgow Academy from 1930 to 1939. In his final year he was scrum half in the 1st XV which became the West of Scotland champions. Even in later years his “torpedo” passes were well known. On leaving school, he commenced his studies at St Andrews but quickly signed up to the Navy when war broke out. Bill served for 7 years on the Corvettes escorting convoys across the Atlantic and travelling all over the world. He also continued his service after the war as a Commander in the RNVR. He then returned to St Andrews and finished his degree before completing a degree in Law at Glasgow university. Following his apprenticeship, he joined his father’s firm of solicitors, Marshall & Maclachlan on St Vincent Street. The firm later moved to Renfield Street and continued after his retirement as McIntosh & MacLachlan. In 1952 Bill married Marguerite and they took up home in Clarkston. Marian, then Elspeth and then Ian came along so in the early 1960s the family moved to a large family home in Pollokshields. Ian attended Dairsie House before joining Primary 2X at The Academy, leaving Form 6 in 1975. Marian and Elspeth both attended Laurel Bank school. In 1968 Bill’s passion for yachting led to the acquisition of the Pamela Jeanne, a 1939 46-foot wooden ketch. Yachting became a 34-year passion, sailing all over the Clyde estuary and the Western isles. Bill was also very active in the Royal Scottish Motor Yacht Club and served as secretary for many, many years. Bill and Marguerite moved to Blairgowrie in 2008 to a smaller and more manageable property where Marguerite still lives, visited regularly by her family. Bill died peacefully at Perth Royal Infirmary in January.
Ian L Wright (1974)